Hypophosphatemia (patient information)

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Hypophosphatemia
Overview
What are the symptoms?
What are the causes?
Who is at highest risk?
Diagnosis
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Hypophosphatemia?
Prevention
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Possible complications
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Hypophosphatemia is a low level of phosphorus in the blood.

What are the symptoms of Hypophosphatemia?

• Bone pain
• Confusion
• Muscle weakness

What causes Hypophosphatemia?

The following may cause hypophosphatemia, including:

• Alcoholism

• Antacids

• Certain medicines including acetazolamide, foscarnet, imatinib, pentamidine, and sorafenib

• Fanconi syndrome

• Starvation

• Too little vitamin D

• Overactive parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism)

Diagnosis

The doctor or nurse will examine you.

The following tests may be done:

• Kidney function tests

• Vitamin K blood test

Exam and testing may show:

• Anemia due to too many red blood cells being destroyed (hemolytic anemia)

• Heart muscle damage (cardiomyopathy)

When to seek urgent medical care?

Call your health care provider if you have muscle weakness or confusion.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the cause. Phosphate can be given by mouth or through a vein (IV).

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

How well you do depends on what is causing the condition.